Railfreight heroine crowned community hero (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Railfreight heroine from St Albans wins Community Gold Award

9:25am Monday 14th February 2011 in News By Manisha Mistry

Cathy Bolshaw's battle against the railfreight terminal proposals has been recognised.

A ZEALOUS campaigner has spoke of her delight at being crowned a community hero.

Cathy Bolshaw's dedicated efforts in leading a successful campaign was recognised by district and county councillor Aislinn Lee who nominated her for a Community Gold Award.

The awards scheme is run by the Review, in conjunction with St Albans solicitors Debenhams Ottaway to identify and reward unsung heroes across the district.

Cathy, who is founder of the pressure group STRiFE, lives in Radlett and is passionate about stopping developer Helioslough from building a large railfreight terminal on the Green Belt in Park Street.

The 46-year-old said: “I was amazed at being nominated for this award, and totally shocked at winning.

“I'd never even thought about winning any awards, and I must say that STRiFE is and always has been a team effort, so I accept it on behalf of the whole team, thank you.

“When STRiFE was formed, I certainly never thought that we'd still be battling on, nearly five years later.

“The airfield site, is such a key piece of Green Belt land, on the south side of St Albans,and I just felt that if the railfreight proposal was allowed to go ahead, it would be such a catastrophic disaster for the whole area, that it had to be fought off.

“Now that we have beaten them twice, we have to keep up the battle until the developers back off, once and for all, and we are determined to do that.”

In her nomination Councillor Lee highlighted Cathy's “key role” in the campaign and felt the important part she has played must be recognised.